The rating is based on a variety of factors, including performance on standardized tests, graduation rates, the achievement of English language learners and the number of children who are chronically absent.

Here are some key takeaways from the release of the star ratings:

• 70 percent of schools in the state earned three or four stars out of five, and 60 percent earned four of five stars.

Maryland for the first time unveiled a star rating system for schools, grading each school on a number of factors. Here is the distribution of ratings.

Maryland for the first time unveiled a star rating system for schools, grading each school on a number of factors. Here is the distribution of ratings. (Christine Zhang/Baltimore Sun Graphic | Source: Maryland State Department of Education)

• Baltimore City has more one-star schools (23) than the rest of the state combined (12). The city also has more two-star schools (76) than the rest of the state combined (68).

• 29 schools just missed the cutoff to be five-star schools by one point. Five of those schools are in Baltimore County: Towson High School and Hillcrest, Perry Hall, Joppa View and Halethorpe elementary schools.

• Three of the four highest-scoring schools in the state are in Baltimore County. The Academy of Health Sciences in Prince George’s County was No. 1, earning 96 percent of its possible points. That was followed by Eastern Technical High School (95 percent), Sparks Elementary (90 percent) and Jacksonville Elementary (90 percent).